2007 Domaine Grand Veneur "Les Origines" Châteauneuf-du-Pape (USE #1049528)

96 points Robert Parker: "The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Origines (50% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 20% Syrah aged in small new oak barrels) is somewhat of an anomaly with such an amount of new oak, but it never seems to show given the wine-s concentration and richness. This may be the estate-s finest example of this cuvee, which generally represents 1,200-1,500 cases, all from their holdings in the northern sector of the appellation. A saturated purple color is accompanied by aromas of smoke, camphor, creme de cassis, licorice, and blueberries, amazing concentration, a full-bodied texture, and a stunningly long finish. The tannins are present, but silky, and the vintage-s freshness and vibrant fruit are evident. Powerful and loaded with substance, but at the same time endearingly elegant and ethereal, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15+." (10/09) 90-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Opaque purple. Pungent aromas of blackberry, blueberry, incense and potpourri. Offers brighter red fruits on the palate, with sweet floral pastille and smoky mineral qualities adding complexity. Becomes more energetic on the sappy, precise, very long finish." (Jan/Feb '09)